Karachi’s persistent struggle with street crime claimed another life as a 17-year-old boy, Muzaffar Iqbal, was fatally shot during a robbery in Korangi on January 15, 2025. This tragic event marks the third robbery-related murder in the city since the start of the year, highlighting the pressing issue of robbery resistance fatalities.
Robbery Turns Deadly in Korangi
Muzaffar Iqbal, a resident of Janjal Pura Goth, was returning home after Fajr prayer when he encountered four armed robbers fleeing the scene of a house robbery. The teenager raised the alarm to alert others, prompting the robbers to open fire. He was shot dead on the spot, according to SSP Korangi Kamran Khan.
The robbers had looted a nearby house before the incident.
Accountability Measures
Following the incident, the SHO of Zaman Town and the local checkpoint in-charge were suspended for failing to prevent the robbery.
Rising Toll of Robbery-Related Deaths
This fatal shooting adds to the growing list of robbery-related murders in Karachi. Earlier this month, on January 9, a man named Arif was killed during a robbery in Steel Town’s Ghaghar Phatak area. Just days before, on January 3, robbers shot and killed 20-year-old Sahil Masih in Zaman Town, Korangi.
Despite reports of a gradual decline in overall street crimes in Karachi, these incidents underline the persistent dangers residents face when confronting or resisting armed robbers.
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Crime Statistics in Sindh
While crime rates in Sindh saw a 20% decrease last year, challenges remain. Police claim to have resolved 77% of these cases, arresting 112 suspects and killing 33 in encounters. Police action resulted in 332 arrests and 36 suspects killed in encounters.
Persistent Challenges
Despite these improvements in crime resolution rates, Karachi continues to face the grim reality of street crime and violence. In 2024 alone, Sindh recorded 1,778 murders and 2,526 attempted murders, including cases related to robbery resistance.
Need for Comprehensive Solutions
The death of Muzaffar Iqbal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by street crime. Authorities must intensify efforts to improve policing, strengthen community vigilance, and ensure swift justice for victims. As Karachi residents continue to grapple with these threats, a more comprehensive strategy is essential to address the underlying causes of street crime and ensure public safety.
The tragic loss of Muzaffar highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to make Karachi a safer city for its residents.
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